Hotel Piccolo Lido

We visited out of season during storm. We wanted to spend a special evening lookng out at the Meditarranean. The room was basic and could be improved , but it was not unexpected as we'd done our research and read about the hotel. Despite the gale outside the view was spectacular from the balcony and when the storm ended the following day we had an hour sitting on the lovely balcony watching the sea. I felt the room could be easily improved, but I guess with the lovely balcony/views it isn't necessary to work hard at fixtures and fittings. We booked the meal at the hotel. 35 Euros each. When we looked at the menu on display I realised it wasn't going to work for me. Hamburger or fish were the options. My husband spoke to reception and queried whether to cancel our reservation and was assured that if we mentioned this to the waiter an aternative could be found. We assumed there were probably vegetarian alternatives e.g. eggs or perhaps a pasta dish. So we arrived at the restaurant. We had the conversation with the waiter as advised by reception. Clearly it was going to be more problematic than anticipated. I was presented with a second course of a small plate (side plate size) with approx 5 pieces of boiled broccoli on it. We paid the full price for this meal. I did mention it to Reception as I left as this may keep happening and really isn't what you hope for on a romantic evening at the seaside. I was given a sympathetic nod and attentive manner. I felt they needed to be aware they were giving advice to ask for an alternative option and guess were being brocolli on a side plate. We have been so lucky in recent years with the hotel restaurants in ITaly where we have stayed - at Maggiore and Orta. It has taken me about 3 weeks to decide to write this review. I was telling a friend the story and realised it really wasn't acceptable and spoiled what should have been a lovely, if stormy evening at this resort. We will return, but not to the Piccolo Lido.

Had to cancel our reservation upon checking in. The rooms that are supposedly all non-smoking, but they STINK of old cigarettes and even have ash trays (as decoration we were told). Took us 20 min to book a better and nicer hotel in San Remo. Town looks nice but 8 would stay away from this particular hotel!